Instructional Assistant (New Contract)

Instructional Assistant (New Contract) Westwood Public Schools District-Wide (WPS) - Westwood, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps This job is also posted in Westwood Public Schools. Job Details Job ID: 5859731 Application Deadline: Sep 30, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time) Posted: Jul 29, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC) Starting Date: Aug 31, 2026 Job Description Westwood Public Schools is looking for caring and dedicated individuals to join our elementary school teams as Instructional Assistants. We currently have multiple openings across our four elementary schools and our integrated preschool, and we invite qualified candidates to apply for these and upcoming vacancies. Under our newly negotiated contract, eligible staff enjoy competitive wages, improved compensation, and enhanced contractual benefits that reflect the value we place on our employees' contributions. Applicants are encouraged to indicate the following in their application materials: Preferred elementary school(s) Preferred grade level(s) While we'll do our best to accommodate your preferences, final placement is based on district needs and available vacancies.

NATURE AND SCOPE

To assist the special education teacher in maintaining appropriate instructional activities and environments as described in the individual educational plan in order that students may learn effectively.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Work under teacher supervision with students to support learning of materials or skills in both pull-out and in-class settings. Support students acquisition of skills with equipment, technology, or other instructional materials as assigned by the teacher. Guide independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work supervised and assigned by the teacher. Administer and monitor testing as the teacher directs (i.e., testing accommodations, extended time) for local and state mandated testing. Assist the teacher in devising special strategies to reinforce material or skills based on the special education students' individual needs, interests, and abilities. Implement positive behavioral support plans in both pull-out and inclusive settings. Maintain data regarding student progress on educational objectives and share this information with supervising teacher on an as needed basis. Communicate effectively with students, staff, and community members as directed by supervising teacher. Other functions as determined by supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Completion of a high school diploma required. Bachelor's degree and previous successful work with students highly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILL

Ability to work under the supervision of the teacher and communicate effectively if a question or problem arises. Ability to form and maintain positive relationships with children who may present with challenging behavior and or significant learning needs. Strong organizational abilities to manage supporting multiple students in a variety of settings throughout the day. Excellent communication skills with multiple communities (students, staff, and parents).

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Demonstrates caring and concern for all students. Communicates clearly and asks for assistance when needed. Able to problem solve challenging situations with support from teacher and other staff. Ongoing professional demeanor in all aspects of communication and work with others.

JOB ENVIRONMENT

Work takes place in a fast-paced school environment, including offices, the auditorium, the gym, the lunchroom, and the recess/hallways.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires sufficient vision to read printed documents and view detail on a computer screen. Requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, and reaching as well as carrying and occasionally lifting up to 30 lbs. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The Westwood Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status. Position Type: Full-Time Salary: $25.72 to $27.82 Per Hour Job Categories: Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA Equal Opportunity Employer The Westwood Public Schools prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation and is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Job Requirements Bachelor degree preferred. Contact Information HR Department 220 Nahatan Street Westwood, Massachusetts 02090 Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io Email: View email address on click.appcast.io Map The content you submit, offer, contribute, attach, post, or display (each a “Submission”) will be viewed by other users of the service who may or may not be accurately representing who they are or who they represent. Do not include any sensitive data in your submissions. Any submission or any use or reliance on any content or materials posted via the service or obtained by you through the use of the service is at your own risk. “Sensitive data” for purposes of this section means social security or other government-issued identification numbers, medical or health information, account security information, individual financial account information, credit/debit/gift or other payment card information, account passwords, individual credit and income information or any other sensitive personal data as defined under applicable laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr District-Wide (WPS)